7 Jewish Feminist Highlights of 2015

2015 is leaving us with too much violence and a world that needs much repair. For me, the hateful murder of Shira Banki at the Jerusalem Pride Parade in August and the National Women’s Studies Association’s noxious BDS resolution were two Jewish feminist low points of this secular year. But other, joyous moments have helped me keep the faith that Jewish feminism can and does make a difference by doing the work of tikkun olam in Jewish worlds, in feminist movements, and in the world entire. So in keeping with that spirit, I offer my top 7 Jewish feminist moments of 2015 (and, of course, 7 is the number associated with creation and blessing in Jewish tradition!).

2) Another one of my sheroes, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice and graduate of Brooklyn’s James Madison High School (my alma mater), was recognized with the Radcliffe Medal, given “to an individual who has had a transformative impact on society.” This “tiger justice,” of course, was a key vote in the landmark decision legalizing gay marriage. And the publication of Notorious RGB (and the upcoming film version of this legal titan’s life starring Natalie Portman) is a sign that intelligent life and popular culture can and do coexist.

3) Mishkan HaNefesh, the new Reform High Holiday Jewish prayer book inclusive of Jewish feminist and queer theologies, was released this year. And the cover is made from recycled materials, so it honors the earth as well as Jews who are as varied as the rainbow.

4) Lesléa Newman’s classic children’s book Heather Has Two Mommies celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a new edition that was widely and wonderfully feted by the press. Advocate even featured Newman’s own love letter to the book.

5) Brandeis University acquired Lilith’s archives, thus ensuring that the wisdom of the publication that has celebrated mouthy Jewish women since 1976 will be transmitted from generation to generation. Lilith also garnered three Rockower Awards from the American Jewish Press Association: Susan Talve’s “Find Your Fergusons” was awarded first place in the category of Excellence in Social Justice Reporting, Leah Lax’s “One Woman’s Resume” earned an award for Excellence in Personal Essay, and the Lilith Blog earned an award for Excellence in Blogging.

I’m so grateful and honored to be on any list that includes the Notorious RBG — especially a list that’s only 7 items long! Thank you, Professor Meyers!

Bonnie Klein

I was shocked to read ini Helene Myers’ blog that the National Women’s Studies Association `noxious resolution’ about BDS was assumed to be a LOWPOINT in the 2015 feminist calendar! I am a longtime Lilith reader and supporter, and have noticed the glaring lack of dialogue about the Israel/Palestine `situation’ on Lilith’s pages. Is this an unspoken taboo? Are we feminists to buy the assertion that criticism of the current Israeli government is anti-Semitic treachery? Have we not insisted on our right to speak and be heard as women in dangerous conversations? Is it disloyal to seek synchrony between our feminist beliefs in equality and justice, and our identity as Jews? I would like to hear more from Lilith about its editorial position on Israel and the silencing of Jewish voices of dissent, including support of the non-violent tactic of BDS.

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A recorded conversation with Joy Ladin at Washington's DCJCC. She's wonderfully instructive, sometimes in deeply poignant ways; listen carefully here when she describes, among other things, the plight of transgender teens and their very basic need for shelter.